Expert: Chip Aki - 1/23/2010

Question
I just received a hammer jigsaw.I took it to my local proshop and had it drilled in their skid/flip layout.I am new to bowling this year and started with the hammer spare spider which i can hook well but i throw the ball with 2 fingers and palm it which allows me to get the rev's i need to hook that type of ball.Now that you know how i throw the ball, with the jigsaw, i cant control the hook its crazy. The only way the ball stays on the lane is if the lanes are heavy oil or if i loft the ball down the lane a little.Can you suggest something to help me out.i know with the jigsaw drilling is important,maybe i need a different layout. also i dont throw the ball fast it is in the 13 to 14 mile an hour range

Answer
You can have the jigsaw polished and that will help get the ball down the lane.  It will hook sharper though.
Compared to your spider spare ball, there is nothing you can do to the jigsaw to tame it down to a reaction anywhere near the spare ball.  Even the weakest layout options will want to overhook with your slow ball speed.  Unless you can create more ball speed, or less rotaion, the jigsaw will be best saved for heavy oil lane conditions.

Good luck,
Chip